Is the chemical hydrogen peroxide harmful to the human body?

Hydrogen peroxide is actually what we usually call hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an inorganic oxide that generally exists in the form of a viscous liquid. It is extremely unstable and will decompose when exposed to heat, light, rough surfaces, heavy metals and other impurities, releasing oxygen and heat. If it is not operated properly, it will cause great harm to the body. So is hydrogen peroxide harmful to the human body? Let’s talk about it in detail below.

(1) Routes of entry: inhalation, ingestion, and percutaneous absorption. Irritating to eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Its toxicity is primarily caused by its active oxidizing effects, such as chemical burns to the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin, as well as ignition of ordinary clothing. Hydrogen peroxide can cause poisoning through inhalation through the respiratory tract, absorption through skin contact, and swallowing. However, its vapor pressure is low, volatility is low, the possibility of poisoning by inhaling vapor is small, and it has a strong burning sensation, so the possibility of swallowing is also small. Mainly burns caused by skin contact. It causes local skin and hair to turn white (but it will recover after a period of time) and causes stinging and itching.

Due to differences in amount, time and site of action, chemical burns of varying degrees are produced. After penetrating into the stratum corneum of the skin, it decomposes and produces oxygen, causing blistering of the epidermis. The stratum corneum of the palms, fingertips and nail beds is thicker, and the peripheral nerves are rich, so the pain is more intense and unbearable. Patients are often restless, irritable, and have difficulty falling asleep. If the dosage is large and flushing is not timely, permanent scars may be left. The vapor irritates the eyes, and the symptoms disappear quickly after the contact is broken; if the droplets splash into the eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, and corneal epithelial degeneration, necrosis and opacity, affecting vision or causing complete blindness.

(2) Symptoms of poisoning Acute poisoning: Inhalation: Vapor may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Skin contact: It will cause stinging and temporary whitening. It will recover after rinsing for 2-3 hours. Residue will cause redness, swelling and blistering. Eye contact: Can cause serious injury and possible blindness. Symptoms may take a week or longer to appear. Ingestion: May damage the stomach and throat and may cause esophageal and gastric bleeding. Chronic poisoning: Inhalation: Causes chronic respiratory diseases.

The question of whether hydrogen peroxide is harmful to the human body has been introduced in detail above. In daily life, we should be more careful not to let our body come into contact with this type of chemicals. If physical illness symptoms occur after contact, you must go to the hospital for regular examination and treatment in time.